A Practical Guide for Central Registries Updating to a V25B Metafile

By Matthew Mayfield, MS, ODS | August 4, 2025

Abstract The NAACCR V25B metafile brings new standards and logic for cancer data validation. As central registries prepare to implement this version, it is critical to understand the best practices for adopting and customizing the metafile to meet both internal and external needs. This article outlines three primary updates ranging from simple renaming and cleanup…

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Welcome from the incoming NAACCR President, Eric Durbin

By Eric Durbin, DrPH, MS | July 28, 2025

Dear NAACCR members, It is a great honor to serve you and the cancer surveillance community as the incoming NAACCR President. First, heartfelt thanks to our outgoing President, Wendy Aldinger. Through her thoughtful and steady leadership, we have remained true to our mission. I also wish to express my gratitude to NAACCR Executive Director Karen…

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Key Informatics Sessions from NAACCR 2025 Annual Conference

By Ashley Knealing | July 28, 2025

The NAACCR 2025 Annual Conference featured a lineup of dynamic, thought-provoking speakers who set the tone for the future of cancer registries. A key theme throughout the event was the expanding role of informatics in cancer registry operations, reflecting a growing emphasis on data integration, interoperability, and real-time analytics to enhance cancer reporting, research, and…

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Advancing Global Collaboration in Childhood Cancer Research: Data Resource Mapping and Federated Network Matrix

By Fernanda Michels | January 5, 2026

In November 2023, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) (with support from NAACCR) and the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) co-sponsored the Paris Conference for an International Childhood Cancer Data Partnership. Organized within the framework of the first working group of the G7 Cancer Initiative and supported by the European Commission, the meeting brought together…

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An Interview with Our New RDU Chair

By Recinda Sherman, PhD, MPH, ODS-C | December 29, 2025

An Interview with our new Research and Date Use Committee Chair It was so much fun interviewing the RDU Co-Chairs last December that I decided to interview our newest Co-Chair, Angela Eckstrand, this December Angela replaced Jeff Dowden (our resident rock star) from the Newfoundland Cancer Registry when his tenure ended. Yes, this means both…

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Writing Edits – An Approach for a New Central Registry Edit Writer

By Elaine Collins | December 22, 2025

Introduction Data relationships, electronic formatting, logical viewpoint – all come together in edits to support the collection of useful cancer information. The edits in the standard metafile realize standards that apply to data collected at the national level, but the same edit tools and processes are available to central registries to manage additional local data…

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Sharing NAACCR Pediatric Cancer Initiatives on Dr. Rick Greene’s Cancer Registry World Podcast

By Fernanda Michels | December 15, 2025

I am excited to share that I was recently interviewed by Dr. Rick Greene for his Cancer Registry World podcast.…

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By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | December 8, 2025

The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Angela Martin | December 2, 2025

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Ashley Knealing | November 24, 2025

Are You Ready for the Central Registry HL7 FHIR Implementation Guide?

By Castine Clerkin, MS, CTR | November 10, 2025

Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL): Coming Soon to the Virtual Pooled Registry

By Fernanda Michels | November 3, 2025

NCCR Fall Feature

OUR MISSION

Actionable content that unites cancer registries.

The Narrative strives to provide you with information you can use to enhance and strengthen your cancer registry. Look to the Narrative for the latest cancer surveillance news, trends, advances in technology, and latest educational opportunities.

OUR VISION

Make every cancer count.

Cancer affects thousands of people across North America every year. Each cancer case must contribute to our knowledge and understanding so that we may reduce the burden of these diseases. Narrative provides a platform for the cancer surveillance community to collaborate and share data that will improve health outcomes.

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Advancing Global Collaboration in Childhood Cancer Research: Data Resource Mapping and Federated Network Matrix

By Fernanda Michels | January 5, 2026

In November 2023, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) (with support from NAACCR) and the French National Cancer Institute (INCa)…

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By Recinda Sherman, PhD, MPH, ODS-C | December 29, 2025

An Interview with Our New RDU Chair

By Fernanda Michels | December 15, 2025

Sharing NAACCR Pediatric Cancer Initiatives on Dr. Rick Greene’s Cancer Registry World Podcast

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | December 8, 2025

The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Lucinda Ham, RHIA, ODS-C | October 20, 2025

Nominations Opening Soon for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors

By Fernanda Michels | October 13, 2025

New Study Highlights Enrollment Disparities in Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Trials Using NCCR Data

CANCER REGISTRY SPOTLIGHT: MICHIGAN

Successful Linkage Between Registry Database and LexisNexis

In our ongoing commitment to enhance the quality and accessibility of data, we are thrilled to announce the successful linkage between our registry database and LexisNexis. This integration represents a significant step forward in streamlining our data processes and expanding our analytical capabilities.

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Member News

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The Importance of Professional Certification for Cancer Registrars

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | December 8, 2025

Professional certification plays a vital role in strengthening the cancer registry workforce and ensuring the high-quality data that is essential…

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By Lucinda Ham, RHIA, ODS-C | October 20, 2025

Nominations Opening Soon for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors

By Jim Hofferkamp, BA, CTR | September 1, 2025

Helping Vendors Help You

By Matthew Mayfield, MS, ODS | August 4, 2025

A Practical Guide for Central Registries Updating to a V25B Metafile

By Angela Martin | July 21, 2025

NAACCR Education and Training Upcoming Events

By Lori Havener, CTR | July 7, 2025

Standardization and Registry Development Steering Committee: Modular Records Task Force